Scotch

Halcyon Spirits Bruichladdich 18 Year Old Review

Can a sherry cask finish tame Bruichladdich's famously fiery spirit? We explore Halcyon Spirits' seventh release, an old Laddie packed with hot honey and spice.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

The seventh release in the Halcyon Spirits portfolio. A rather old Bruichladdich with a potent sherry cask finish.
Appearance:
Dark Amber
Nose:
Classic Bruichladdich spirit! Lots of hot honey and creamy barley. The casks kick in brining in lots of bright red fruits, more honey, vanilla ice cream, wafer biscuits, Dandelion and Burdock soda, rosemary.
Palate:
Tangy, waxy French cheese with cranberries, black pepper, salt, more wafer biscuits/crackers, whipped honey and some more classic sherry notes coming out at the end like raisins, dark chocolate and some mint. Some darker herby notes towards the back end like rosemary, mint and lots of charred vanilla.
Finish:
There’s a classic Laddie finish of big spiciness! It’s like more hot honey and Jalapeno brine. There is sweetness with butterscotch and brioche bread with more mint and cream soda!
Comments:
I have a love/hate relationship with Bruichladdich. Some can be remarkably complex liquids, of which I’d put this in there, but they can also be such hot whiskies. Personally, even at 50% or below, they drink so potent and intense. It’s a great thing if you love the brand, not so much if it isn’t your thing. The sherry cask on this has done some excellent work and has added a sweetness to the earthy, spicy complexity that was clearly in the whisky before.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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